ABSTRACT
Radiation does not directly affect metals; however, the surface of metal components could discolor or show evidence of corrosion when irradiated with some types of polymers. These synergistic effects are initiated by free radicals and decomposition products that are formed from radiation-induced dissociation of the molecular constituents in the polymers. For example, very small amounts of hydrochloric acid (HCl) are formed when polyvinylchloride (PVC) is irradiated. The effect of hydrochloric acid on metals is well known. Localized heating of a metal part also could have possible deleterious effects on the performance of a medical device component, e.g., delamination at a metal-polymer interface.
